Deciding whether to call an employer after submitting your job application is a common dilemma. You want to show initiative and ensure your resume was not lost, but is a follow-up call a proactive step or an outdated method that irritates hiring managers? The answer depends on the company, the role, and your approach.
The Modern View on Calling After Applying
The consensus on following up with a phone call has shifted in recent years. The modern hiring landscape is different, largely driven by technology and the sheer volume of applicants. Many companies receive hundreds of applications for a single open position and use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage this influx by sorting and ranking candidates.
An unsolicited phone call can disrupt this highly structured workflow. The person answering the phone is rarely the one making the hiring decision, and forwarding your call can be an unwelcome interruption. Recruiters and hiring managers block out specific times to review applications filtered by the ATS, and a random call pulls them away from their planned tasks.
This preference for a structured process means that most recruiters want to be in control of the communication flow. An unexpected call can put them on the spot, forcing them to recall your specific application from a sea of others. For these reasons, the modern view leans toward letting your application speak for itself first. A well-crafted resume and cover letter are more likely to get you noticed than a premature phone call.
When You Should Not Call an Employer
Knowing when to refrain from calling is as important as knowing when it might be acceptable. Certain situations serve as clear signals that a phone call would be a misstep. Ignoring these cues can harm your candidacy, as it demonstrates an inability to follow instructions and a lack of respect for the employer’s process.
The most obvious red flag is a direct instruction in the job posting. If the advertisement explicitly states, “No phone calls, please,” then under no circumstances should you call. Disregarding this request is one of the fastest ways to have your application moved to the “no” pile, as it signals you did not read the posting carefully.
Applying to a large corporation with a centralized Human Resources department is another scenario where calling is ill-advised. These organizations have rigid, standardized hiring procedures, and your call will likely only reach a representative with no direct involvement with the position. Similarly, calling immediately after you apply is premature; wait at least one to two weeks for applications to be reviewed.
Finally, you should never call if you do not have a specific purpose other than to “check on the status” of your application. This question offers no value and can be seen as an annoyance. If you don’t have a legitimate question that isn’t answered in the job description, it is better to wait for the employer to contact you.
Situations Where Calling Might Be Appropriate
Despite the trend away from phone calls, there are specific exceptions where a call can be a strategic move. In these less common scenarios, a well-placed call might positively differentiate you from other candidates. These situations often involve smaller, less formal hiring environments where a personal touch is more likely to be well-received.
A call may be appropriate in the following situations:
- You are applying to a very small business where the person who answers the phone may be the owner or the direct hiring manager.
- You have a specific, substantive question about the role that is not addressed in the job description, such as inquiring if the position requires travel.
- A significant amount of time has passed since the application deadline, such as one to two weeks, and a call can serve as a gentle nudge to reaffirm your interest.
- You were referred by a current employee, and mentioning your shared connection’s name can immediately establish credibility.
Best Practices If You Decide to Call
If you have determined your situation fits one of the exceptions and decide to make the call, your approach must be professional and strategic. A poorly executed call can do more harm than good, so preparation is important. The goal is to be memorable for your professionalism, not for being a nuisance.
First, conduct research to identify the name of the hiring manager or the head of the relevant department. Addressing the person by name is far more effective than asking for “the person in charge of hiring.” This detail shows you have invested time in your application. If you cannot find a specific name, addressing your inquiry to the “Hiring Manager for the [Job Title] position” is a suitable alternative.
Next, prepare a brief script. Do not plan to read it verbatim, but jot down key points to keep the conversation focused and concise. This should include your full name, the exact job title you applied for, and a one-sentence statement summarizing why you are an excellent fit.
Your purpose for calling should be clear and stated upfront. For instance, you could say, “My name is Jane Doe, and I’m calling to confirm the receipt of my application for the Graphic Designer position and to briefly reiterate my strong interest.” Always be polite and respectful of their time. A simple, “Is now a good time to speak for a moment?” can show courtesy.
Effective Alternatives to Calling
Given that calling is often not the best approach, it is useful to have other follow-up strategies. There are several effective and less intrusive alternatives that can help you stay on a hiring manager’s radar. These methods respect the modern workflow of recruiters while still demonstrating your continued interest.
The most widely accepted alternative is a well-crafted follow-up email. An email allows the recipient to respond on their own schedule, making it far less disruptive than a phone call. Keep the message concise and professional, reiterating your interest in the role and mentioning the specific job title. Briefly highlight a key qualification that aligns with the position to remind them why you are a strong candidate.
Using professional networking platforms like LinkedIn is another effective strategy. You can find the hiring manager or recruiter for the company and send a connection request with a personalized note. The note should be brief, mentioning that you have applied for a specific role and are very interested in the opportunity. This approach shows initiative without being overly aggressive.
Finally, do not underestimate your personal network. If you know someone who works at the company, they can be your best advocate. A current employee can make an internal inquiry on your behalf, which often carries more weight than an external follow-up. They can provide insight into the hiring process and ensure your resume gets seen by the right person.